Affordable Housing Trust

The Manchester-by-the-Sea Affordable Housing Trust was established by Town Meeting vote in 2016 with the mission to increase diversity of housing options to meet the needs of Manchester’s low and moderate income households. The Trust is comprised of a seven-member board of resident volunteers with experience and expertise in housing policy, finance, development, programs, and advocacy. The Town Planner, through funding from the Community Preservation Act, provides staff support to the Trust. THE MAHT IS A 501(C)(3) AND WELCOMES AND ENCOURAGES CONTRIBUTIONS TO FURTHER ITS MISSION.

Affordable Housing Trust FAQ

MISSION STATEMENT

To provide for the preservation and creation of affordable housing in the Town Manchester-by-the-Sea for the benefit of low and moderate income households.

OPERATING PRINCIPLES

To further its mission and promote affordable community housing options, choice and diversity, the AHT will follow these operating principles:

• Use Resources Wisely - Use available financial and in-kind resources, including an allocation of local Community Preservation Funds, to promote the planning and development of community housing.
• Seek Proposals for Community Housing - Prepare Request for Proposals to solicit community housing applications, using AHT funds and publicly owned land to leverage private development and secure additional funding.
• Address Policy and Zoning -  Advocate for housing and zoning policies that facilitate community housing
• Pursue Community Housing Opportunities - Identify specific opportunities to create community housing, such as utilizing unused town-owned land, or partnering with the Housing Authority to consider creative use of existing properties. 
• Be A Partner in Development for the Good of the Town - Engage with and encourage developers to pursue well-designed proposals that include community housing.  
• Encourage Development of a Variety of Purpose-Built Projects– Promote housing unit types and sizes with reasonable rents or prices to match the diversity of community needs.  
• Undertake Small Actions, With Meaningful Results - Provide creative financial assistance to make rental or homeownership housing affordable to the greatest number of income eligible households.

The Trust welcomes the public to its monthly meetings, which will be posted in advance on the Town’s website and at Town Hall.